SACT Grant (SCRA-Academic Collaboration Team Grant)

SACT Grant Overview

Program Name: SCRA-Academic Collaboration Team (SACT) Grant

Geographic Scope: South Carolina institutions of higher education

Background: SCRA's FY24 SACT Grant Program champions the vital role of all institutions of higher education (IHE) in creating a sustainable framework for and accelerating the pace of translational/use-inspired research, technology development, and commercialization.

Focus Areas: Technology development and commercialization, translational research, use-inspired research

Track One: Lab to Market

Purpose: To advance the development of university-owned technologies that can provide lasting economic and societal impact.

Eligible Institutions:

• Clemson University
• University of South Carolina
• Medical University of South Carolina

Requirements:

• Proposals should seek to accelerate the path to market of university-owned technology
• Outcomes should generate tangible solutions having the potential to create lasting economic and societal benefits
• Matching funds required (varies by institution)

FY24 Awardees:

• Clemson University: $860,000 + $170,000 matching funds ($1M total) - Hydrogen fuel cell prototype development
• University of South Carolina: $860,000 + $290,000 matching funds ($1M total) - Cost-effective synthesis of compounds for treating neurodegenerative diseases
• Medical University of South Carolina: $870,000 + $397,000 matching funds ($1.267M total) - Three innovations: recombinant protein cancer vaccine, antibiotic-eluting implant device, and burn wound gel

Track Two: Capacity Building

Purpose: To establish the infrastructure and capacity necessary for growth in use-inspired R&D at the institution, providing the foundation for future economic and social impacts.

Eligible Institutions: All other public institutions of higher education not included in Track One

Requirements:

• Proposals should seek to build capacity for fundamental outcomes in translational/use-inspired research, technology development, and commercialization
• Outcomes should include a framework and partnerships necessary for long-term sustainability of program goals
• Matching funds required (varies by institution)

FY24 Awardees:

• College of Charleston: $640,000 + $84,000 matching funds ($720,000 total) - Capacity for technology development and commercialization; focus on global logistics solutions
• Coastal Carolina University: $640,000 + $220,000 matching funds ($860,000 total) - Capacity for developing new technologies in biomedical and kinesiology research

Contact Information:

• Contact SCRA for application details and deadlines
• Website: scra.org

Application Process

Detailed application instructions and process are not fully outlined in the provided website content. However, the following information is available:

• Solicitation Structure: Two separate solicitations with different eligibility requirements (Track 1: Lab to Market and Track 2: Capacity Building)
• Principal Investigator: Each application requires identification of a Principal Investigator
• Matching Funds: Applicants must demonstrate matching fund commitments
• Partnerships: Proposals should identify collaborating institutions and industry partners
• Interim Progress Report: Awardees are required to submit interim progress reports (outline format specified)

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Contact SCRA directly for complete application guidelines and RFP details
2. Visit scra.org for current solicitation documents
3. Identify eligible institution type (Track 1 or Track 2)
4. Assemble interdisciplinary research team
5. Identify matching funding sources
6. Identify collaborating institutions and industry partners